photo by Ted Eytan

From The National Museum of Women in the Arts:

“The National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) announces the opening of a new Museum Café. The launch will take place on Wednesday, July 8, a Free Community Day with summer extended hours.

Located on the mezzanine, the Museum Café reflects a new partnership with local coffee experts Slipstream, and will offer iced and hot coffees and teas, in addition to light bites and pastries. Through the Slipstream Roasting Project, the Museum Café is proud to offer a coffee bean from Colombia’s Huila region cultivated solely by female farmers using traditional, sustainable techniques. The line of beans, Las Esmeraldas, was sourced exclusively for the Museum Café at NMWA. Museum members receive a 10% discount at the café.

NMWA’s Free Community Day features an Open Studio from 10 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. with free, (more…)



from last year’s Solstice, Courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution

From the Smithsonian Institution:

“For the first time, the Smithsonian is expanding its popular Solstice Saturday into a three-day celebration, inviting visitors to kick off summer from Friday, June 19, through Sunday, June 21.

As part of America’s 250th anniversary, this year’s Solstice weekend offers more opportunities than ever to experience Smithsonian museums, exhibitions and programs.

On Friday and Saturday, select museums on the National Mall will remain open until 11 p.m., offering extended exhibition hours alongside special after-hours programming. The celebration continues Sunday with family friendly daytime programming across multiple locations. Additional program details and a list of opening hours are available online.

Note: This month, pedestrian and vehicle access along and across the National Mall may be limited. Visitors should allow extra time to travel between museums on the Mall.

Events (more…)



Independence Ave, SW &, 7th Street, SW

From an email:

“Artisan gelateria DOLCEZZA is teaming up with Flor. Coffee + Books for a tasty collaboration: handmade empanadas.

A Taste of Argentina

Starting Tuesday, June 2nd, three new varieties of handmade empanadas will be available at the DOLCEZZA artistic shipping container on the grounds of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. With the addition of Flor.’s empanadas, it’s now an ideal destination for a casual lunch, pre- or post-museum bite, midday snack, or happy hour drink.

A fitting collaboration between two Argentine-owned D.C. favorites, the empanadas join a lineup of current offerings at DOLCEZZA’s outdoor shipping container at the Hirshhorn, including canned wine, cocktails, beer, plus award-winning gelato served at one of D.C.’s most iconic summer settings. Menu highlights include: (more…)



Rendering image of The Playground. credit: Snarkitecture Architecture

From the National Building Museum:

“This summer, the National Building Museum invites visitors of all ages to rediscover the joy of play with THE PLAYGROUND, a monumental new installation created in collaboration with New York-based design firm Snarkitecture. Open July 3 through August 30, 2026, THE PLAYGROUND transforms the Museum’s iconic Great Hall into an immersive environment designed for climbing, building, exploring, gathering, and imaginative play. (more…)



photo courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution

From the Smithsonian:

“As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, the Smithsonian will reopen two of its most iconic and historic buildings, inviting visitors to reconnect with familiar spaces and explore new stories about the American experience.

This summer, the Arts and Industries Building will reopen for regular public hours for the first time since 2004, marking a new chapter after years of use for special and temporary exhibitions and events. The Smithsonian Castle will also reopen to visitors following a closure for major renovations that began in 2023. These milestones build on the permanent return of the Smithsonian National Carousel, which resumed operation Friday, April 24, after an extensive restoration.

Together, these reopenings are part of “Our Shared Future: 250,” the Smithsonian’s multi‑year initiative commemorating the nation’s Semiquincentennial through exhibitions, programs and experiences that encourage reflection on America’s past and imagination of its future.

Smithsonian Castle (more…)


Exciting news from an email:

“The National Geographic Society will open the National Geographic Museum of Exploration at its global headquarters in downtown D.C. on June 26, featuring 100,000 square feet of new public space dedicated to inspiring the explorer in every visitor. Starting today, visitors can purchase presale tickets.

The Museum of Exploration features an unprecedented collection of immersive and educational experiences, all under one roof (more…)


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